Sergei Shoigu and Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin and defense Minister Sergei Shoigu praised the outcome of the exercises “West-2017”, which took place on Luga ground in the Leningrad region Monday, September 18. This was announced by commander of the Western military district, Colonel-General Andrei Kartapolov, reports TASS.
“The scope of today’s stage was great, at the front of 600 kilometers [troops] at the same time performed the task on three grounds. Very confidently played division 25th motorized rifle brigade 138th motorized rifle brigade, 240 kilometers away to the North, units of the 2nd Taman division, the paratroopers,” — said the commander.
Earlier Monday it was reported that the head of the defense Ministry told Putin about 95 representatives from 50 countries, watching the Russian-Belarusian exercises. “Interested in”, — responded the President.
September 15, press Secretary of Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that Putin’s decision to attend military maneuvers not related to the concern of Western countries in connection with their conduct. He explained that the President attends such events as Supreme commander.
Ukrainian and Baltic politicians have repeatedly expressed concern about the upcoming maneuvers. Thus, on 13 September the Minister of internal Affairs of Latvia Richard Kozlowski urged residents of the country during the Russian-Belarusian exercises to be active and alert.
Joint strategic maneuvers of Russia and Belarus “West-2017” held from 14 to 20 September. The exercise involved up to 12.7 thousand servicemen, up to 70 aircraft and helicopters, and 680 pieces of equipment. Similar joint exercise was conducted in 2009 and 2013.